Beruflich Dokumente
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One of the benefits of this lease on a computer disk is it can be customized to fit your lease needs. If you plan to
modify, change, or add additional clauses of your own or from the additional clauses provided, be sure to have a real
estate attorney review it before using.
Below are listed some of the State Guidelines for Test of Readability covered under Pennsylvania’s Plain Language
Consumer Contract Act Number 1993-29. Be sure to follow these guidelines when making changes to this document.
• Use boldface type for caption sections and use ink that provides sharp contrast with the paper.
• Use column width and margins that make the document easy to read.
• Do not write sentences with passive verbs, double negatives, or with personal pronouns.
• Do not use exceptions to exceptions, nor Latin and foreign words which require reliance upon
obsolete meanings.
• Do not use technical legal terms other than commonly understood legal terms.
Caramanico Partnership
RESIDENTIAL LEASE
Plain Language Lease
THIS IS A RESIDENTIAL LEASE, WRITTEN IN PLAIN LANGUAGE. THIS IS A LEGAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE
TENANT AND THE LANDLORD. READ THIS LEASE CAREFULLY BECAUSE TENANT GIVES UP CONSUMER RIGHTS.
IF TENANT DOES NOT UNDERSTAND ANY PARTS OF THIS AGREEMENT, SEEK THE HELP OF AN ATTORNEY
BEFORE SIGNING.
2. LEASED PROPERTY
a) The leased property is the location Landlord agrees to rent to Tenant.
It is a: ____ Single Home, ____ Townhouse, ____ Condominium,
____ Apartment, ____ Other _______________________________________
The words “leased property” refer to the type of residence above.
b) The exact address is
__________________________________________________________________________
c) The following items are part of the leased property: ________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Rent due until regular due date Paid $_________ Due $________ Total ___________
5. RENT
a) The rental amount each month is $________ and is due by the ____ day of each month.
b) Landlord will send a Notice to Pay Rent or Move if Landlord does not receive rent by the ____ day
of the month.
c) A court action to remove tenant begins on the ____ day. All court costs are paid by Tenant.
d) If Tenant mails rent to Landlord, the postmark date of the letter is the date of payment.
e) Tenant must make all rental payments in full. If partial payment is made, Landlord has the right to
collect the balance due despite any endorsement or other statement on the check.
Page 1 of 11 ________ Tenant ________ Tenant ________ Tenant ________ Tenant _______ Landlord
6. ADDITIONAL RENT CHARGES
a) Rent is considered late if postmarked after the ______ day of each month.
b) Rent is $____________ more if not paid by the due date.
c) Rent is an additional $______________ if not paid by the ______ day.
d) Charges not paid when due become additional rent for the next month’s rent.
7. NUMBER OF OCCUPANTS
a) The most people allowed to live in the leased property are _____ Adults ____ Children.
Names of all occupants not signing this lease: __________________________________________.
b) If any unauthorized occupant(s) is living in the leased property, landlord can:
1) End this lease with thirty days written notice.
2) Require Tenant to pay $ _________ per month for each unauthorized occupant(s).
3) Require Tenant to pay for all damages caused by unauthorized occupant(s).
c) Unauthorized occupant(s) is anyone not listed on the lease that has lived in the leased property for
more than ______ days in a row.
8. UTILITY SERVICES
a) Landlord and tenant agree to pay for the utilities and services listed below:
LANDLORD PAYS TENANT PAYS
Cable TV ___________ ___________
Condominium Fee ___________ ___________
Cold Water ___________ ___________
Electricity ___________ ___________
Gas ___________ ___________
Heat ___________ ___________
Heater Maintenance Contract ___________ ___________
Homeowners Assoc. Fee ___________ ___________
Hot Water ___________ ___________
Lawn and Shrubbery Care ___________ ___________
Oil ___________ ___________
Parking Fee ___________ ___________
Sewer ___________ ___________
Snow Removal ___________ ___________
Trash Collection ___________ ___________
Water Cost over Yearly Charge ___________ ___________
Other ___________ ___________
b) Utilities not paid by Tenant when due become additional rent for the next month’s rent.
9. INSPECTION
a) Tenant agrees to give Landlord a signed inspection sheet when signing this lease. When this lease
ends, Tenant is responsible for all items needing repair not listed on the inspection sheet, OR
b) Tenant may decide to keep the inspection sheet beyond the date of lease signing for further
inspection. It is Tenant’s responsibility to return a signed copy by certified mail to the Landlord
within five (5) days of move -in.
c) If the inspection sheet is not returned within the five (5) days, Tenant agrees the leased property is
in satisfactory condition.
11. INSURANCE
a) Landlord agrees to carry fire and liability insurance on the building. Landlord does not insure
Tenant’s personal property under his insurance policy.
b) Landlord REQUIRES that Tenant carry fire and liability insurance to protect Tenant, Tenant’s
personal property, and his guests. Tenant agrees to list Landlord as additional insured on any policy
Tenant purchases.
c) If there is any loss of property by fire, theft, burglary, or any other means, Tenant agrees to relieve
Landlord from all responsibility. Tenant agrees to pay for any loss or claims filed.
Page 3 of 11 ________ Tenant ________ Tenant ________ Tenant ________ Tenant _______ Landlord
b) Use of Leased Property Tenant agrees not to use the leased property for any unlawful or hazardous
purposes. Tenant needs written permission from Landlord before using the leased property for any
business or profession.
c) Obey all laws: Tenant agrees to obey government housing regulations, local and state laws, and
condominium and home owner association rules as they apply to Tenants.
d) Keep safe and clean: Tenant agrees to keep the leased property safe against fire and water damage.
Tenant agrees to remove trash, garbage, and other waste in a safe manner.
e) Heating sources: Tenant agrees not to use any other heating source than the one provided in the
leased property. Tenant will keep temperature at 60 degrees or above at all times.
Page 4 of 11 ________ Tenant ________ Tenant ________ Tenant ________ Tenant _______
Caramanico Partnership
for the period after the fire or mishap. Once the lease has ended, Landlord is not responsible for
finding replacement housing for Tenant.
c) Tenant agrees to allow Landlord or Landlord’s representative to enter the leased property whenever
necessary to repair damage caused by fire or other mishap.
d) Any fire or other mishap caused by Tenant or Tenant’s guests is Tenant’s full responsibility. This
includes the payment of rent and all other terms and conditions of this lease.
e) Tenant is responsible for damage caused by windows being left open. Any windows or screens
broken or doors damaged by anyone is Tenant’s responsibility.
f) Tenant agrees not to hold Landlord responsible for damage or injury caused by water, snow, or ice
that comes on the Property.
22. REPAIRS
a) Tenant agrees to immediately tell Landlord in writing of any dangerous or defective conditions on
the Property or in the leased property. If Tenant fails to do so, Tenant is responsible for all injury or
mishap caused by the dangerous or defective conditions.
b) Tenant agrees to pay the total cost of any repair that is above normal wear and tear and is caused by
Tenant or Tenant’s guest(s). Tenant agrees to correct and pay for these damages. If Tenant does not
complete repairs within a reasonable time, Landlord will pay to have the repair completed. This cost
is considered additional rent and is due with the following month’s rent payment.
c) Tenant agrees to pay to open all clogged drains, toilets, sinks, and traps caused by Tenant’s actions.
d) Landlord is not responsible for any inconvenience or loss that needed repairs might cause.
e) If this lease is for a single family home, townhouse, or condominium, Tenant agrees to buy and
change filters on the furnace every six (6) months. If damage is caused because the filters were not
changed, Tenant agrees to pay for all expenses to repair furnace, including the service call charge.
Page 5 of 11 ________ Tenant ________ Tenant ________ Tenant ________ Tenant _______ Landlord
24. WATERBEDS
a) Waterbeds are not allowed unless Landlord agrees in writing.
b) If allowed, Tenant must sign a Waterbed Agreement and show proof of an insurance policy naming
Landlord as an additional insured or beneficiary.
26. VEHICLES
a) Tenant agrees to park cars, trucks, or motorcycles in the parking area. Tenant agrees to have current
registration, license plates, and inspection stickers on all vehicles. Tenant will receive a written
notice from Landlord for any vehicles not meeting these requirements . If Tenant does not comply
with these requirements within five (5) days, Tenant agrees to pay towing and other expenses to
remove the vehicle(s).
b) Tenant agrees not to park or store a motor home, camper, trailer, boat, boat trailer, or other
recreational vehicle without the written permission of Landlord.
c) Repainting, repairing, or servicing of any vehicle is not permitted anywhere on the property.
Page 6 of 11 ________ Tenant ________ Tenant ________ Tenant ________ Tenant _______
Caramanico Partnership
28. PETS NOT ALLOWED
a) Tenant agrees not to have any pets or animals on the leased property without the written permission
of Landlord. If Landlord discovers Tenant has an animal on the leased property, without Landlord’s
permission, Landlord can:
1) end the lease by giving thirty days notice to leave; or
2) start a new lease with increases to the security deposit and rent beginning immediately; or
3) remove any animal found on the leased property that is not approved by Landlord to an animal
shelter or other such location at Tenant’s expense;
b) Tenant agrees to pay Landlord for damages that the animal caused.
Page 7 of 11 ________ Tenant ________ Tenant ________ Tenant ________ Tenant _______ Landlord
36. LAWN CARE AND SNOW REMOVAL
a) Tenant is responsible for lawn maintenance and snow removal.
Lawn maintenance means: Snow removal means:
1) cutting of grass 1) Shoveling snow from steps,
2) trimming of bushes and hedges sidewalks, and driveway.
3) weeding of flower beds. 2) Removal and salting of ice and snow.
b) If Tenant does not maintain these two areas in a satisfactory condition, Landlord will complete the
work. This expense becomes additional rent to Tenant.
37. NOTICES
a) Landlord agrees to send all notices to Tenant in writing by regular mail or certified mail, or to
deliver in person. If Tenant is not home, Landlord or Landlord’s representative will place the notice
on the leased property in an easy to see location.
b) Tenant agrees to send all notices to Landlord in writing by certified mail, return receipt requested.
This is the only form of notice permitted in a court hearing as evidence of notice given.
38. PHONE
a) Landlord will supply and be responsible for one phone jack located in the ______________
b) Tenant may install additional phone lines and jacks, at his/her expense after written permission is
granted from landlord.
c) If additional phones and jacks are installed, Tenant is responsible for all internal phone wiring and
agrees to carry the 'Wire Maintenance Plan' offered by the phone company.
39. CABLE
a) Landlord will supply one cable junction box to the unit when cable is available.
b) Tenant may install additional cable lines for television and internet access, at his/her expense, after
written permission is granted from Landlord. Tenant is responsible for all internal cable.
42. SURVIVAL
If the courts find any clauses against the law, all other clauses that are legal are not affected.
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Caramanico Partnership
43. CHANGING TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF LEASE
a) Landlord must give Tenant at least ____ days notice before the lease ends if any terms and
conditions are changed. Tenant has ____ days from the date of receiving the notice to decide to
accept or not accept the changes.
b) If Tenant does not give the required notice within the ____ day period, the lease renews under the
new terms and conditions given by the Landlord.
Page 9 of 11 ________ Tenant ________ Tenant ________ Tenant ________ Tenant _______ Landlord
48. LANDLORD’S RIGHTS IF TENANT BREAKS LEASE
a) If Tenant breaks this lease agreement, Landlord has the right to:
1) end this lease agreement;
2) go to court to get back (recover possession) the leased property;
3) hire an attorney to start a court eviction action. Tenant agrees to pay Landlord all attorney’s fees
and court costs;
4) start eviction action with an attorney. Tenant agrees to pay Landlord the sum
of __________ dollars ($ ) as collection costs if Landlord must take Tenant to court;
5) go to court to recover rent and other charges due until the end of this lease even if this lease has
not ended.
b) If Landlord wins in court, Landlord can use the court process to take tenant’s personal goods, motor
vehicles, and money in banks.
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Caramanico Partnership
52. RETURN OF SECURITY DEPOSIT
The return of Tenant’s security deposit is subject to the following conditions:
a) Full term of lease has ended;
b) Landlord has received a written forwarding address of tenant before moving;
c) All rent paid in full;
d) All keys and other items that Landlord provided are returned;
e) No damage to the property has occurred beyond normal wear and tear;
f) All personal property has been removed;
g) The entire leased property has been cleaned, including all appliances;
h) Holes in walls, scratches in woodwork, holes or damage to flooring whether carpeting, tile, or
wood, have been repaired according to standard practices;
i) No unpaid late charges or rent remains due;
j) All utility bills are paid in full and written proof given to Landlord;
k) Light fixtures have been cleaned and bulbs replaced where needed;
l) All carpets have been professionally cleaned and written proof given to Landlord.
TENANT AGREES LANDLORD GAVE TENANT TIME TO REVIEW THIS LEASE. IF TENANT DOES
NOT UNDERSTAND THE LEASE TERMS, TENANT SHOULD SEEK THE ADVICE OF AN ATTORNEY
BEFORE SIGNING. BY SIGNING THIS LEASE, EACH TENANT AGREES HE OR SHE HAS READ AND
UNDERSTANDS ALL OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS.
THIS LEASE WITH ANY ADDED CLAUSES OR HOUSE RULES IS THE FINAL AND COMPLETE
AGREEMENT BETWEEN LANDLORD AND TENANT. NO OTHER ORAL OR WRITTEN AGREEMENTS ARE
PART OF THIS LEASE.
________________________________ _______________________________
Tenant Landlord
________________________________ _______________________________
Tenant Date
In the opinion of the Office of Attorney General, a pre-approved consumer contract meets the Test of
Readability under 73 P.S. Section 2205 of the Plain Language Consumer Contract Act. Pre-approval of a
consumer contract by the Office of Attorney General only means that simple, understandable, and easily
readable language is used. It is not approval of the contents or the legality of the contract.
Page 11 of 11 ________ Tenant ________ Tenant ________ Tenant ________ Tenant _______ Landlord
ADDITIONAL RULES
ANTENNAS AND SATELLITE DISHES
a) Tenant agrees not to install, or attach to the building, any antenna or satellite dish without
permission of Landlord.
b) If Tenant installs an antenna or satellite dish without written permission from the Landlord,
Landlord may end this agreement by giving 30 days written notice.
APPLIANCES
Any appliances remaining in the leased property remain the personal property of the Landlord and are
not part of this lease. Tenants may use the appliances but Landlord assumes no responsibility for their
operation, repair, or replacement. Appliances remaining are:
_________________________________________________________________________________
APPLIANCE INSURANCE
a) Tenant agrees to pay Landlord an additional _____ dollars ($ ) a month per appliance which will
cover any repairs or replacement of the appliance.
b) The following appliances will be covered under this Appliance Insurance Plan
__________________________________________________________________________________________
BILLING FOR UTILITIES THAT REMAIN IN LANDLORD’S NAME
If Landlord keeps utility bills in Landlord’s name, or local municipalities require bills to stay in
Landlord’s name, Landlord will forward bill to Tenant. Tenant is then responsible to pay the utility
company promptly.
a) If billing for utilities must remain in Landlord’s name, Tenant will pay an additional
$ _______ in the monthly rent to cover the following utilities:
__________________________________________________________________________
b) When the Landlord receives the utility bill, Landlord will pay the bill and submit a copy to Tenant.
If the charges are more than the amount paid by Tenant each month, Tenant pays the difference to
Landlord within _____ days of receiving the bill.
c) If the charges are less than the Tenant’s normal monthly payment amount, Landlord pays the
difference to Tenant within ______ days of receiving the bill.
d) If Tenants’ utility bill totals less than the previous year’s total, Tenant will receive a rental credit to
the next month’s rent.
e) If Tenant has been late on any month’s rent during the year, owes additional fees, and does not
renew the lease for another year, Landlord is not responsible to pay rent credit payments.
INSURANCE
a) Landlord agrees to carry fire and liability insurance on building. Tenant’s personal property is not
insured under Landlord’s insurance policy.
b) Tenant will carry fire and liability insurance to protect Tenant, Tenant’s personal property, and his
guests. Tenant agrees to list Landlord as additional insured on any policy Tenant purchases.
c) If there is any loss of property by fire, theft, burglary, or any other means, Tenant agrees to relieve
Landlord from all responsibility. Tenant agrees to pay for any loss or claims filed.
PAINTING
If Tenant paints or wallpapers, Tenant understands it is Tenant’s responsibility to paint walls back to
the original color before moving. If Landlord agrees to allow the existing wallpaper or paint color to
stay, Landlord will state this in writing to Tenant at the start of the lease.
REPAIRS
a) Tenant is responsible for the first $ ________ of each and every repair or replacement beyond
“Normal Wear and Tear.”
b) Tenant is responsible for all damages to the leased property that Tenant or Tenant’s guests cause.
Tenant agrees to correct and pay for these damages.
1) If Tenant does not complete repairs in a reasonable time, Landlord will pay to complete repair.
2) The Tenant will reimburse Landlord for this cost in the following month’s rental payment. This
cost is considered additional rent due.
c) Landlord is not responsible to repair damage Tenant or Tenant’s guests intentionally caused.
d) Tenant agrees to change filters on the heater every three months. If Tenant neglects to do so and
damage is caused because filters were not changed, Tenant agrees to pay for all expenses to repair
damage, including the service call charge.
STORAGE AREA
Landlord is not responsible for items stored in areas outside the leased premises.